Cell phones

If you plan on using a cell phone during your time at San Jose State University, please
keep in mind that the cell phone you use in your home country may or may not work
in the United States.

For $50-70/month, students can sign up for a no-contract plan through T-Mobile. These
plans are ideal for students who do not have Social Security Numbers (which a majority
of international students do not). For an additional $10/month, you can add unlimited
international talk/text (Please check if your country qualifies with T-Mobile).

**San Jose State University I-Gateways website includes additional information about
cell phones and links to other mobile carriers here

Banking

Checking Accounts are extremely convenient in this country, a debit card or a check may be used to
pay nearly everywhere. ATM’s are also widely available so easy access to your money.
As an international student you may open a bank account in almost any bank in the
San Jose area. Sometimes there may be a small monthly charge and/or a minimum balance
is required *this information will be made available to you when you talk with a banking
professional*.

Below are some of the popular banks.

U.S. Bank: On campus, Student Union

Bank of America:99 South Fourth Street, San Jose, CA 95113.

Wells Fargo: 121 Park Center Plaza, San Jose, CA 95113.

Chase: 55 West Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA 95113.

Bank of the West: 50 West San Fernando Street, San Jose, CA 95113.

Citibank:10 Almaden Boulevard, Suite 100, San Jose, CA 95113. T

** With the exception of Citibank, SJSU has ATM’s for all the above banks on campus
near the student union. Citibank ATMs are located in most 7-Eleven convenience stores.
U.S. Bank has a local branch on campus for convenience.

Identification: To open a checking or savings account, you will need to present two pieces of identification
(ID). One must be your valid passport; the other may be a driver’s license or a SJSU
ID card. It is not required that you have a Social Security number to open a bank
account.